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Adeline Bryan Willis 



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Copyrighted 1920 

by 

Adeline Bryan Willis 



JUN 10 1920 



TMPS2-007475 



Other Stories by Adeline Bryan Willis 



The Theme 

What the Vintners Buy 

The High Tide 

The Gospel of the Red Rose 

Gold 

The Charm 

The Still 

The Silver Sickle 

The Islands of Desire 

The Step-Lover 



State of Oregon 

Executive OCPARTMeNT 
SALEM 



SepteiDl>«r 80, 1918* 



To Whom It May be of Intereat: 

rhla will introduce Mrs. Adeline Bryan Willis, 
of Portland, in wboae story of the Lewis & Clark expedi- 
tlOD I bavo a very deep personal interest. Any courtesies 
9r klDdLosees that may be extended to her in connection 
with her plana to consummate her plana on a plane in keep- 
ing writh the high merit of her work will be greatly appre- 
ciated by me personally. 

Very truly yours, 

I / Governo^ 



The Wondrous Romance 

{The Lewis and Clark Expedition) 



An Excerpt: 



^ $rcat IS^aMf t on tal^klf ia insttihslt in Ijijlf 
xtiiti tifc folloixiinj cx«irpt frum ^^ngalia' 
♦'C^pportunitB/' |lcljinli % 'STaMet stands 
tl|c doakcli male figure of tijc JMastcr of 
Human Peatinies, Ijia ialbth arma rcating 
upon tife top of t\}t 'S^abkt: 

Opportunit;^ 

'Jlllaster ^f Jfttmnn destinies ^m JI! 
Jffame, latte ani fortune ixn mg faotef eps tttait, 
(Eities mti iulhs ^ tttalk; |) pmetete 
P^serts aiti seas remote, unit passing bg 
||0ttel an& mart an& palate ♦ ♦ . soon ar late 
^ knoek, nnbiblren, anre at etterg gate! 
^f sleeping, Urake ♦ . ♦ if fasting, rise before 
|( turn atuag . ♦ > it is tlje Ifour of fate/' 



The Wondrous Romance 

{The Lewis and Clark Expedition) 



ROLLING SUBTITLE 

IN 1804 TO 1806 CAPTAIN MERIWETHER LEWIS AND A 
LITTLE BAND OF AMERICAN REGULAR ARMY SOLDIERS 
WITH CAPTAIN WILLIAM CLARK SECOND IN COMMAND, 
THE ENTIRE PARTY INCLUDING GUIDE AND INTER- 
PRETER CONSISTING OF BUT THIRTY-TWO PERSONS, 
AND AT A COST TO THE GOVERNMENT OF BUT TWENT^^- 
FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS AND THE LIFE OF ONE MAN, 
FOLLOWED THE MISSOURI RIVER TO ITS SOURCE, 
THENCE OVER THE LOLO TRAIL AND DOWN THE 
COLUMBIA RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN, AND 
RETURNED; TRAVERSING A LAND UNEXPLORED BY 
WHITE MEN, PEOPLED BY EIGHTY THOUSAND WARRING 
AND HOSTILE INDIANS; TRAVELING FOUR THOUSAND 
MILES AND SUFFERING UNTOLD HARDSHIPS; FORMING 
PEACEFUL INTERTRIBAL RELATIONS AND SECURING 
FOR THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT VOLUNTARY 
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SUBSERVIENCE TO THE STARS 
AND STRIPES; THEREBY SUBDUING AN IMMENSE AND 
VALUABLE COUNTRY, AND BEARING THE FLAG TO THE 
WESTERN SHORE;— AN ACHIEVEMENT UNPARALLELED 
IN HISTORY 

THIS GREAT TRACT, THE RESOURCES OF WHICH WERE 
OF SUCH UNTOLD VALUE TO THE ALLIED CAUSE, IS THE 
ONLY LAND NOW OR EVER OWNED BY THE UNITED 
STATES GOVERNMENT WHICH WAS NOT BOUGHT FROM 
SOME OTHER COUNTRY WITH EITHER MONEY OR 
BLOOD OR BOTH . . THIS LAND, ALONE, WAS WON BY 
AMERICANS FOR AMERICA! 



From "The Adventuring Prophet." 



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MOTIVE 

^^=N Ife tttintting of ilye Oregon ttxnn^ 
^^ ttrg forestalled tlfe inapiettt 
pkns of |^in0 (Seorge of ^ngtenft to 
retake from tlfe Uest tlje '' "©hirteen 
Colonies'' an& tIfU5 hestrog a netoljr 
founiei republic 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 



Scene shows the following map: 




. . . Fades into Sub-Title : 

FOUR HUNDRED AND THIRTY YEARS AGO THIS WAS THE 
WHOLE OF THE KNOWN WORLD .... 

. . . Fades to show date : 

1490 

. . . Fades to Sub-Title: 

EACH OF ITS SUCCESSIVE GOVERNMENTS HAD 
EXPRESSED THE 

IDEAL OF AN INDIVIDUAL. 

Sub-Title is obscured by fade-in of a . . . 
CROWN. 

Fades to re-show of MAP. 



10 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 



THE PRELUDE 



THEN THE GOD OF VISIONS . . . 

Scene The huge, muscular body of a man god, well 

//. to the front of scene, three quarters back, he fill- 
ing in the right of screen space from top to 
bottom; before him, center scene, deeper set, a 
rough block of marble; left scene, and far into 
background, a stretch of space and sky and 
clouds. As he lifts and tests his tools, he turns 
and looks away toward left and smiles a "dis- 
coverer's" smile. 

. . . Iris out on the marble block. 

Scene An old, frayed canvas unrolls; shows Colum- 

///. bus setting sail from the shores of Spain; adds a 
shadow sub-title . . . 

1492 

Scene Iris in on the marble block showing the Dream 

IV. god at work; he works at the right of the block, 
but little squared around from the position in 
scene II, showing side view; he smiles; as his 
blows fall the marble chips off to show the first 
lines in detail of a woman's figure — the round 
of the cheek, the curve of the throat, the line 
over the heart, and an indication of the arm. 
. . . Iris out on the marble . . . 

FOUND A DREAM OF LIFE . . . 

Scene Fades into re-show of Scene III, canvas then 

V re-rolls disclosing 

(IN COLORS) 

Scene A great SPHERE suspended in space; on 

VI its surface is shown a relief of the Continents and 
Seas of the Western Hemisphere, centering upon 
the Northern half; background deep BLUE set 
with WHITE STARS; foreground drifting 
vapors; at upper right a winding ribbon scroll 
shows the passing dates of discovery; below 



THE 


WONDROUS ROMANCE 11 




this, right, in column, in their respective colors, 




the names of these Countries : 




Spain green 




England .... red 




France blue 




Holland purple 




Sweden brown 




Russia yellow 




United States of America . . . 




. . . RED, WHITE, BLUE 



Left of the SPHERE, crouched among the 
clouds is the figure of a woman veiled to the 
eyes; she is mystery here as she was when with- 
in the marble; she is watching with deep 
emotional interest the evolutions which take 
place upon the surface of the SPHERE. 

These evolutions consist of the occurrence 
and spread of colors which shall account for 
European ownership of lands on this Continent, 
developed in chronological order, synchronous 
with the passing dates on the winding ribbon 
scroll, from 1492 to 1920 .. . Thus: As she 
watches, at showing "1492," GREEN, SPAIN'S 
color, occurs at San Salvador, Cuba and Haiti ; 
five seconds later, at showing "1497," RED, 
ENGLAND'S color, occurs at Labrador; one 
second later, at "1498," the MAIN LAND at 
Rio de Janeiro is GREEN; and these colors 
come or go to stay as did the ownership of land : 
Cuba is GREEN for four hundred and six 
years (or, according to this scale, seconds of time 
to show, or technically, four hundred and six 
film feet) and TRI-COLOR twenty-two;— 428. 

Labrador is NO COLOR five years, RED 
four hundred and twenty-three— 428. . . New 
York State is NO COLOR thirty-two years, 
BLUE eighty-five, PURPLE fifty-five, RED 
one hundred and nineteen and TRI-COLOR 
one hundred and thirty-seven— 428; etc. 

THE WHOLE PRELUDE takes about 
seven minutes to show; this time, however, can 
be automatically contracted or expanded at 
will, since the color scheme development, the 
dramatic action, and the film footage are here 
reduced to common-fractional standard. 

The following sequence of SCENES form an 
inset within the confines of the outlines of the 
SPHERE, the figure and other details remaining 
as before. 



12 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 



Sub-Scene At showing of "1775": — Iris in (within the 

1 confines of the SPHERE) showing the village 
green at Lexington as of that date, depicting 
skirmish between British Regulars and American 
Minute Men. 

Sub-Scene An American under fire attempts to rescue a 

2 wounded comirade. 

Sub-Scene Close-up: The American lifts the wounded 

3 man, who dies in his arms. 

Scene Iris in on marble showing dream-god having 

VII nearly completed his work of freeing the figure 

from the stone; he works kneeling; the figure 
except one foot is free . . . Fades to — 

Scene The veiled figure has freed her head, throat 

VIII. and arm; she wears a STAR on her forehead; 
fades to re-show Sub-Scene 3. 

THE FIRST TO DIE FOR FREEDOM. 

Sub-Scene At showing "1777": — Washington, ragged 

4 and worn, among his tattered troops at Valley 
Forge IN THE WINTER of 1777 and "8. 

Sub-Scene Showing the piteousness of their destitu- 

5" tion. 

IN THE SPRING CAME THE GOOD NEWS THAT FRANCE 
HAD SENT A FLEET TO HELP! 



PEACE 



'COLUMBIA,' 



Sub-Scene At showing " 1783" — Sub-title- 

6 



Scene Fades, showing that the THIRTEEN COL- 

IX ONIES have been colored RED, WHITE AND 
BLUE; where the ribbon scroll is at upper right, 
a rising dawn appears, spreading across the sky 
in bands of RED AND WHITE dissipating 
the BLUE. The figure throws off her veilings 
and emerges as 



the SPIRIT OF FREEDOM. 

At next date showing, that of "1803 
Sub-title 



THE LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 13 



Scene Fades, showing that the narrow line of RED 

X and WHITE and BLUE blocks which ran along 
the Atlantic Shore has been stretched across 
the Continent to the Shore of the Pacific. 

(The Louisiana Purchase occurred during 
the time of this Expedition; but holding the 
COLONIES against Western invasion if these 
Indians were incited to fight was safeguarded 
by the TREATIES of Lewis with the Indians). 

As the bands of color fade from a daylight 
sky, it is seen that COLUMBIA wears them as 
a scarf, her robe being BLUE with WHITE 
STARS. 

As she watches the completion of the Ter- 
restial color scheme, at passing of such dates as 
were accompanied by bloodshed, a blot precedes 
the color; and in such instances as those in 
which money was paid out to other Nations, 
COLUMBIA takes the Money from her bosom 
and gives it into a hand which is outstretched 
as from FRANCE, RUSSIA, MEXICO, etc. 

When this color scheme is set forth it will at 
once make plain the fact already stated that 
THE OREGON COUNTRY, the PRICE of 
this EXPEDITION, is the only virgin land of 
which America has ever been possessed. 

Scene As this action is finished and drifting vapors 

XI begin to obscure the SPHERE, Iris in on the 
marble, showing — 

Scene Completed marble figure, lightly poised; (the 

XII dream-god has vanished) . . . 

A DREAM OF LIFE THAT WAS LIBERTY. 



14 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 



Scene 
XII 
Con. 



tift grawp ♦ . . %lfm txnt spirit 
tA ixtti^m ensuring no tgrant, 
torlfetlf^r maste xtr man . ♦ ♦ 
is tffe prager Wlfinlt t\\t 
^meritan flap! 

(End of Prelude) 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 



17 



FILM FOOTAGE FOR TERRESTRIAL COLOR SCHEME OF PRELUDE 
— Continued. 



COLOR TREATMENT OCCURS 

at as in 
footage paragraph 
1 . Green No. 1 

5. Red 2 

6. Red 3 

19. Green 4 

21. Green 5 

Green 6 

Green 7 

27. Green 8 

32. Blue 9 

Blue 10 

Blue 11 

Blue 12 

43. Blue 13 

46. Green 14 

Green 15 

Green 16 

48. Green 17 

50. Green 18 

73. Blue 5 

74. Green 5 

87. Red 19 

92 Red 9 

105. Red 20 

106 No Color 20 

112. Blue 21 

113. Blue 22 

115. Red 23 

116. Blue 24 

117. Purple 12 

126. Purple 11 

128. Red 25 

142. Red 26 

146. Brown 27 

158. Purple 27 

172. Yellow 28 

Red 10 

■■ Red 11 

" Red 12 

176. Red 29 

177. Red 30 

181. Blue 31 

189. Red 27 

'• Red 32 



COLOR TREATMENT OCCURS 

at as in 
footage paragraph 

221. Red No. 21 

241. Red 14 

271. Red 13 

•■ Red 15 

•■ Red 16 

■■ Red 22 

■■ Red 24 

Red 29 

■■ Red 31 

291. Tricolor 9 

Tricolor 10 

Tricolor 1 1 

Tricolor 12 

Tricolor 14 

" Tricolor 15 

Tricolor 16 

Tricolor 23 

Tricolor 25 

Tricolor 26 

Tricolor 27 

Tricolor 29 

Tricolor 31 

Tricolor 32 

308. Blue 17 

311 Tricolor 17 

313 Tricolor 33 

327. Tricolor 5 

329. No Color 7 

332. No Color 8 

334. No Color 34 

353. Tricolor 34 

356. Tricolor 35 

Tricolor 18 

361. Tricolor 36 

371. Blue 8 

375. No Color 8 

Tricolor 28 

406. Tricolor 1 

Tricolor 4 

410. Tricolor 7 



83 



18 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 



SEGREGATION OF COLOR TREATMENTS 



at 

footage 

1 

19 

21 



5 

6 
87 
92 
105 
115 
128 
142 
172 



177 



221 
241 
271 



43 
73 
112 
113 
116 
176 
181 
308 
371 



GREEN OCCURS 

as in 
paragraph 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 

5 



RED OCCURS 
2 
3 

19 
9 

20 

23 

25 

26 

10 

11 

12 
30 
27 
32 
21 
14 
13 
15 
16 
22 
24 
29 
31 



BLUE OCCURS 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
5 
21 
22 
24 
29 
31 
17 



for 

footage 

406 

387 

52 
407 
308 
305 
195 
225 
225 
260 
306 
253 



12 



423 
422 
343 
199 
1 
176 
163 
149 
119 
119 
119 
250 
102 
102 
207 
50 
157 
20 
20 
157 
157 
20 
20 



23 



60 

140 

94 

85 

228 

1 

109 

158 

155 

95 

90 

3 

4 



117 
126 
158 



PURPLE OCCURS 

as in 

paragraph 

12 

11 

27 



BROWN OCCURS 

146 27 



YELLOW OCCURS 
!72 28 



NO COLOR RECURS 

\^ 20 

329 7 

332 8 

344 34 

375 8 



29 



for 
footage 
55 
46 
31 

3 



12 1 
1 



203 



323 
82 
39 
9 
53 



31 
31 
32 
35 
356 

36 
37 
406 

410 



13 



TRICOLOR OCCURS 


9 


137 


10 


137 


11 


137 


12 


137 


14 


137 


15 


157 


16 


137 


23 


137 


25 


137 


26 


137 


27 


137 


29 


137 


31 


137 


32 


137 


17 


117 


33 


115 


5 


101 


34 


75 


35 


71 


18 


72 


36 


67 


28 


53 


1 


22 


4. 


22 


7 


18 




25 




Total 83 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 19 



THE STORY 

EPISODE I 

A LITTLE MORE THAN MIDWAY FROM THE ATLANTIC 
COAST TO THE PACIFIC, 

on the shore of the Missouri River, somewhat 
of a metropolis of its kind, lay 

THE INDIAN VILLAGE OF MANDAN. 

Its lodges were commodious and its peoples 
various. 

THITHER CAME OTHER INDIAN TRIBES TO BUY FOOD 
OR SELL CAPTIVE SLAVES (OR WAGE WAR); 

also from time to time, half-breeds 

AND FRENCH TRAPPERS FROM THE NORTH. 

Came passing one day a war party from a 
neighboring tribe; they were 

GROSS VAUNTOUS, OR BIG-BELLIES, SOMETIMES CALLED 
MINNETARRES, 

and they and their ponies were 

RIGGED FOR WAR. 

There was one young buck whose naked 
brown legs clasped a cream-colored Stallion as 
wild as its master. Chabonneau, the French 
trapper, 

CHABONNEAU, THE BRAGGART, 

haggled with him, as did several of the Man- 
dans who 

BARGAINED FOR PLUNDER 

when these should return; 

FOR THEY WERE ENROUTE WESTWARD TO BESIEGE 
THEIR LONG-TIME ENEMIES. THE SNAKES. 



20 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 

EPISODE II 

AWAY TO THE WEST, 

in the heart of the Rockies, poor and almost 
defenseless, 

A VILLAGE OF THE SNAKES, 

feared the coming of such enemies as the party 
now 
ENROUTE, 

fierce, limb-stripped, well mounted and armed 

RENEGADE MARAUDERS OF A LAWLESS TRIBE. 




THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 21 

EPISODE in. 

AWAY TO THE EAST, 

quaint and sturdy and now peaceful, 

THE VILLAGE OF WASHINGTON, 

scarcely more imposing than those already seen 
except for its CAPITOL, 

THE SEAT OF AMERICAN GOVERNMExNT. 

Now here at his desk, in deep thought, sat 

HIS EXCELLENCY, MR. THOMAS JEFFERSON, THIRD 
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 

not cognizant of the entrance of 

HIS PRIVATE SECRETARY, CAPTAIN MERIWETHER 
LEWIS, 

who perhaps withdrew without disturbing him. 
And as the "Sage of Monticello" sat . . . 

(a) . . Scene : There stands by his side the Allegorical 
figure of Columbia, her robe which is BLUE 
with WHITE STARS and her scarf which is 
RED with WHITE BARS, being in colors; 
. . . fades to re-show Sub-Scene I. of Prelude, 
which depicts skirmish between British Regu- 
lars and American Minute Men at Lexington; 

RECALLING HOW DEARLY BOUGHT THE FREEDOM OF 

HIS LITTLE NATION, 

. . . re -shows Sub-Scenes 2 and 3 of Prelude, 
which depicts the first sacrifice of an American 
life; . . . fades to 

(a) . . Scene as at first; Columbia bends forward as to 
touch the shoulder of Jefferson, (the mailed 
hand of ENGLAND threatens her . . . fades) . 

AND SEEING THE MENACE FROM THE WEST, 

and as to whisper in his ear. 

Jefferson wears a look of inspiration; Colum- 
bia then disappears and Jefferson summ.ons 
Lewis, and together they eagerly confer. 

At Lewis' showing, Jefferson begins to write 
the "Secret Message to Congress" 

ASKED CONGRESS IN SECRET MESSAGE FOR THE APPRO- 
PRIATION OF THE PATHETIC SUM OF $2500.00 FOR THE 
EQUIPMENT OF AN EXPEDHION TO EXPLORE THAT FAR 
COUNTRY. 



22 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 



EPISODE IV. 

OUT ON THE WESTWARD TRAIL, 

the Big-Bellies, rioting, gloating, approach a 
"rim-rock", led by the wild young brown- 
bodied buck on the wild young cream-colored 
Stallion; and, boldly posed against the sky-line, 
these two 

OUTLAWS, 

look down into the little cup-like valley and 

SPY OUT THE LAND OF THE SKY BLUE WATER; 

laugh at the helpless VILLAGE OF THE 
SNAKES. 

Being joined by another, the young buck 
suddenly leans forward and stretches out his 
long, straight arm, to point toward the moun- 
tain stream below, where not far from the Vil- 
age, two young girls are playing at weaving 
baskets for their dolls. . . Look closer, for in 
one of them you will 

DISCOVER THE LITTLE SACAJAWEA, 

soft eyed, earnest and gentle, 

TO WHOSE PEOPLE SHE SEEMED LIKE A MEADOW BIRD 
THAT SANG FROM THE GRASSES, 

but whose long, firm chin already bespoke the 
forcefulness of her capability ; 

WHOM FATE HAD CHOSEN TO PLAY A WONDERFUL PART. 

Now she looked up to discover, dark against 
the sky at the top of the rim-rock the strange 
Stallion and his Rider; saw him joined by an- 
other and another . . . with eyes that were 
wild with fear saw them force their horses over 
the drift of shaling rock; 

AND THEY SWARMED DOWN THE MOUNTAIN SIDE, 

throwing caution to the winds; the girls, hiding 
in the tall grass, knew that an enemy anvanced 

TO THE INEVITABLE MASSACRE! 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 23 



EPISODE V 

SLIM YOUNG BRONZLINGS, 

the boys of the village, poured forth from the 
wigwams, naked but for breech-cloths, armed 
only with bows, their quivers of arrows slung 
on their little backs ... on foot 

SINCE THE WARRIORS OF THE SNAKES WERE AWAY ON 

A HUNT, 

and while the four old men left on guard aided 
the women and children in an attempt to 
escape to the woods, 

UNFLINCHINGLY MET THE ADVANCE OF THE 

INVADERS, 

who were men . . . well mounted and strongly 
armed, many of them with guns (gotten from 
traders near Mandan) ; 



A FUTILE SACRIFICE! 



For the "Big-Bellies", with wild shrieks, rode 
them down, swept them aside, hemmed in the 
fugitives, but few of whom escaped, seized 
women, children and boys as captives, and de- 
stroyed the village. 



24 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 



EPISODE VI. 
SACAJAWEA, 



peering through the grasses, sickened to see 
these things; clutched in silent terror the arm 
of her friend when she 



SAW THE RIDER OF THE WILD STALLION, 



with his companion, gay with anticipation, 
coming swiftly upon them. She 

KNEW THEY HAD BEEN DISCOVERED. 

Suddenly galvanized into action, the two girls 
dashed into the stream, swimming with beauti- 
ful stroke. The riders followed, swimming their 
horses in pursuit. Thus Sacajawea, though she 
put all that she had into her stroke, soon per- 
ceived herself within the reach of the rider of 
the Stallion; 

STILL HOPING TO ELUDE THE GRASP OF FATE, 

she dived and disappeared from view. Not to be 
done out of a capture, the Rider seized her little 
friend, whom he dragged to his horse's back and 
made prisoner. His companion, however, was 
more fortunate that he, for as his horse took 
the deep water Sacajawea quite unexpectedly 
came to the surface near at hand, and 

WAS CAUGHT AT LAST. . . . 

As the Riders joined their fellows on the 
return trail, Sacajawea, drenched, shivering, 
bound, looked back into the cup-like valley to 
see a pale scarf of smoke that trailed the foot- 
hills, drifting from the village . . . Saw the red 
glow, the wild flames that completed the de- 
struction of her home; and all her heart cried out 



GOOD BYE 



. . . Looked forward to see in the path before 
her the cream-colored Stallion with her captive 
friend, and the backward looks of the covetous 
eyes of the Stallion's Rider; and all of her spirit 
rose within her to save herself. 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 25 



EPISODE VII. 

CONGRESS GRANTED THE APPROPRIAllON OF THE SUM 
ASKED FOR TO SEND THE SYMBOL OF GOVERNMENT TO 
THIS WESTERN LAND. 

And the SPIRIT of COLUMBIA pervading her 
Halls in the Capitol took courage and breathed 
a new life. 

LEWIS, WHEN HE HAD BEEN MADE LEADER, 

wrote a letter which 

INVITED HIS FRIEND, WILLIAM CLARK, TO JOIN HIM AS 
SECOND IN COMMAND; 

Clark, who was then on his farm in Kentucky, 
was glad to accept. 

AND TWENTY-FIVE YOUNG MEN CHEERFULLY VOLUN- 
TEERED TO ACCOMPANY THEM ON A JOURNEY FROM 
WHICH THEY COULD HAVE SMALL EXPECTATION EVER 
TO RETURN. 



''«i«ll|)ll|l||ll» 



26 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 

EPISODE VIII. 

CLARK IN KENTUCKY, 

which was then frontier, lived on his farm 
WITH HIS WIFE, 

whom he loved with great devotion and who 
loved him with unquestioning faith . . . pa- 
tient, uncomplaining . . . and 



HIS FOUR SONS, 



an honest, earnest family ; and found it none too 
easy to live supported by 



HIS STRUGGLING FARM. 

Hence the call of Lewis was, from a monetary 
viewpoint, a welcome one; but, deeply a lover 
of his family and his home, he found it as hard 
to leave them as to go . . . 

FOUND THEIR FAREWELLS FRAUGHT WITH TRAGIC 
POSSIBILITIES. . . . 

When the final parting came and he with York, 
his colored servant, took their last adieus, 

HE TURNED AGAIN TO LOOK, 

upon her tear-stained face, and the boyish grief 
of his sons, and took that picture in his heart. 
Choked with emotion, he waved to them. 

GOOD BYE! . . . 



•)i|i)il|lli|l||||l|||l{liltiii»n*- 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 27 



EPISODE IX. 

LEWIS IN VIRGINIA, 

Lewis, the tall handsome Captain, private secre- 
tary to the President, the unmarried and unat- 
tached, was perhaps 

THE MOST ELIGIBLE YOUNG MAN OF HIS TIME; 

and in Virginia, where lived the very flower of 
all the fine folks of the day, Romance shed about 
him the glamour that is the heritage of every 
young Knight; and so he found that in many a 
garden that summer day 

ROSEBUD GIRLS DROOPED BECAUSE OF HIS GOING; 

found that his own heart softened by unex- 
pected tenderness when 

BLUE EYES BRIMMED WITH TEARS, 

and beat with strange excitement when 

FAIR CHEEKS PALED WITH FEARS. 

How often in distant place and time would he 
recall these faces and these scenes, and hear 
again a tremendous 

GOOD BYE! . . . 



•.""»il'lil|lll|l||||l|||(|lilllii'. 



28 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 

EPISODE X. 

A SLAVE MARKET 

otherwise, the Village of Mandan, was now 
filled with members of parties lately returned 
from the hunt; trappers, traders, thronged its 
open spaces. Chabonneau bragged and swag- 
gered about in clownish activity, making ready 
his traps for the coming cool nights; and this 
Parish 

WAS THE GOAL OF WEARY WEEKS OF TRAVEL 

for the Big-Bellies and such of their captives 
as had not already been sold enroute. Into the 
Village they filed; and Chabonneau, who had 
put in an order for one or two women, ran (with 
many others) to meet them with his peltries for 
barter. Women were offered for sale, and were 
carefully looked over . . . their muscles, their 
broad backs, for this was a market 

WHERE WOMEN WERE BOUGHT AS BEASTS OF BURDEN. 

Chabonneau, fussily bargaining, suddenly 
stepped back and stood amazed; for 

HERE THEY BROUGHT THE CAPTIVE MAID. 

As grey-haired old Chabonneau gazed upon 
her, forgotten memories of his youth assailed 
him, awakening the traditions of his white 
blood. 

She met his looks with some strange serenity 
. . . she 

WHOSE "EYES WERE LIT WITH LIGHTNINGS," WHOSE 
•'HEART WAS NOT AFRAID," 

and yet, she was scarcely more than a child. 
Chabonneau opened his pack, and bought her. 
He also bought two women ; but the finest of his 
furs he saved. These he loaded on the backs of 
the two women, and led the way to his lodge. 
Here the two women were set to work; there 
was a great scramble of rearrangement, and all 
the finest furs and handsomest pelts were set 
to make a dais in the center of the lodge, under 
the open space where the sunlight fell; and here 
was placed 
SACAJAWEA, 

and the women given her as slaves. Thus she 

BECAME THE GIRL-WIFE OF OLD FRENCH TRAPPER 
CHABONNEAU. 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 29 

EPISODE XI. 

MANY SILVER MOONS HAD DRIFTED OVER MANDAN; 

Sacajawea, coming down to the shore to send 
her two women slaves out in their queer, round 
calabash-shaped boats for roots of water plants, 
thought of this ; 

THE END OF ANOTHER SUMMER WAS AT HAND, 

and she was saddened, 

BUT MEMORIES OF HER HOME NEVER DIMMED. 

She herself embarked. Her own boat was 
made luxuriant by beautiful pelts, and leaning 
against their richness, she dreamed to its rock- 
ing as it drifted, a floating bowl. 

THE WILD SWAN WERE MAKING READY TO FLY. 

Now in calm white majesty one floated down 
into view from up stream. Had he come down 
from its head waters where her home was ? 

DID SHE DREAM LIKE THIS, 

as she thought of his powerful wings? 

"SWEET BIRD, FLEET BIRD, FLYING FROM FAR AWAY, 
DO YOU COME FROM THE DEAR OLD HOME OVER THE 

MOUNTAIN GRAY^ . . . 
AND DID YOU TELL THEM BEFORE YOU CAME THAT 

YOU WOULD SEE ME TODAY^" . . . 

Had he floated too near, to his own alarm? 
. . . He suddenly took wing in the direction 
from which he came. Half rising, she almost 
called to him, 

•' . . . TELL THEM MY HEART IS FAIN 
TO CROSS THE PLAIN AND THE MOUNTAIN, 
AND LIVE IN THEIR HEARTS AGAIN, 
BUT I AM A SLAVE IN A FAR OFF LAND, 
AND I LONG ... I LONG IN VAIN! ..." 

Her face was wet with tears! 



30 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 

EPISODE XII. 

EVEN AS THE WILD SWAN RUFFED HIS WINGS, 

from down stream, three craft, themselves like 
great strange birds (though at first she saw them 
not), stemmed the current of the river, manned 
by men more strange than all; . . . these were 

THE SHIPS OF LEWIS. 

Her women called . . . She looked . . . The 

WONDROUS THINGS WITH ALL SAILS SPREAD, 

came gliding to her landing place. Paddling, 
she reached the sandy shore, and waited. A 
runner passed her with flying feet, gone to in- 
form the Village. Her heart beat no more than 
if she knew this vision 

CAME IN ANSWER TO HER CRY; 

the sails were reefed by men the like of whom 
she had never seen before; at the prow, strong 
and straight . . . not coppered like her people, 
nor swarthy like Chabonneau, but 

FAIR LIKE A YOUNG GOD, 

stood Lewis; and the kindly Clark and all their 
eager crew were with 



THEIR CAPTAIN. 



As the bow of Lewis' boat touched the landing 
the Spirit of COLUMBIA stepped upon the 
shore. 



AT THE EDGE OF THE WILDERNESS, 

waiting, as Lewis passed, 

TO SACAJAWEA, 

"A slave in a far off land. " 

THE WONDROUS ROMANCE HAD COME! 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 31 



EPISODE XIII. 

THE OLD CHIEF OF THE MANDANS PONDERED 

over the news which the runner had brought; 
in the shadows of the lodge the runner awaited 
his word. 

THE YOUNG CHIEFS KEPT SILENCE, AS BEFITTED THEIR 

STATION, 

for the news of the runner was grave. Then 
... the arm of the Old Chief was extended in 
a sweeping gesture which ended with his closed 
fist against his breast, and he gave one short com- 
mand. The Young Chiefs signed to the runner and 

THE RUNNER FLED TO DO THE OLD CHIEF'S BIDDING, 

Swiftly, like a young fawn, he flashed through 
the twilight, 

PASSED THE LODGE OF SACAJAWEA, 

where she stood near her door; replying only 
with a toss of his head and a smile of excitement 
when she called out to him: 
"NA . . .?" (Explain) 

Skirting the Village, he made for the Prairie, 
his hair flying wildly as he ran against the wind. 

CHABONNEAU TOLD HER 

when he came a moment later, almost crazed 
with importance, 

THAT THE RUNNER HAD GONE TO SUMMON THE 
NATIONS 

by a signal that should call them all to council. 

THAT THE WHITE MEN HAD COME TO TREAT WITH THE 
TRIBES FOR THE GREAT WHITE CHIEF. 

bearing both gifts and guns, 

AND THAT THEY WERE GOING TO THE FAR WEST! 

On the edge of the Prairie, at the head of the 
wind, the runner stopped, squatted in the grass 
and struck his flint. The flames that sprang 
up painted his body with light before the wind 
caught them and lashed them across the plain. 

MORE SWIFTLY FLAMED HER HOPE! 

Warned by the light or the pillar of smoke, 
every tribe in the region made ready that night 
to send its Chiefs to Mandan, for 

THE BURNING OF THE PR^^IRIE WAS THE SIGNAL TO THE 

NATIONS. 



32 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 



EPISODE XIV. 

AT 10 O'CLOCK ON MONDAY, THE 29TH DAY OF OCTOBER. 
1804 

"We collected the Chiefs and commenced Council 
under an awning, our sails stretched around . ." 
(From the original journals of Lewis and Clark). 
. . . "We delivered a speech." . . . Also held 
a sort of informal Court in which some inter- 
tribal disputes were settled. . . Decorated 
twenty-one Chiefs, as follows: 

"To the First Chiefs we gave a Medal, with 
the impression of the President of the United 
States. 

"To the Second Chiefs a Medal of Weaving 
and Domestic Animals. 

"To the Third Chiefs a Medal with the Im- 
pression of a Man Sowing Wheat. ..." 

THE PEACE PIPE was smoked, the Prin- 
cipal Chief having offered it in turn to the East 
Wind, the West Wind, the North Wind and the 
South Wind; then to Lewis; and then to Clark. 
Thus, with ceremonial rites. 



THE GREAT COUNCIL. 



"After the Council, we gave the presents 
with much ceremony, and put the Medals on 
the Chiefs ... to whom we gave coats, hats 
and FLAGS." To the Mandan tribe a corn 
mill. 

"After this was over we shot the Air Gun, 
which appeared to astonish the natives much." 



•»l)lil|)ll|li|||l||i|llii> 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 33 

EPISODE XV. 

IN THE WINTER FORT AT MANDAN, 

at the door of his quarters within the stockade 

LEWIS WAS CONFRONTED 

with a dilemma. Before him with folded arms 
and body disdainfully erect, stood an Indian 
messenger of the Mandans who astounded 
Lewis 

BY AN ACCUSATION OF FAILURE. 

To Clark, who joined him from within the 
hut, Lewis explained : 

"HE TELLS ME THAT I PROMISED HIS PEOPLE THEIR 
ENEMIES SHOULD MOLEST THEM NO MORE;" 

The messenger narrowly watched their faces 
as Lewis related to Clark how a small band of 
Mandans, secure in this assurance, had gone out 
to hunt buffalo across the snow-covered plain, 
and thus exposed, been ambushed by Sioux and 
Pawnees. 

-HE TELLS ME TR\T I HAVE LIED." 

The messenger leered toward them with 
menace-fraught look and tone to say that his 
Young Chief's body even then lay yonder on 
the plain, stuck with arrows; his blood staining 
the snow. Then he left them. 

WELL ... IN LESS THAN AN HOUR ... 

Out of' the stockade which flew the American 
flag, armed, perfectly drilled and equipped for 
action, 

THE ARMY OF LEWIS . . . TWENTY-THREE STRONG, 

swung into step and marching to meet the ene- 
mies of the Mandans . . . 

FOLLOWED OLD GLORY TO THE RESCUE. 

Watching from ambush, 

OUTPOSTS OF THE SIOUX 

saw the protection of the White man's warfare 
thrown around the outstanding lodges of the 
Mandans. They 



34 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 



SENT AN EMISSARY, 



who, when he had come within sight of the 
lodges, took off his skin blanket, and holding it 
by the corners advanced slowly, making panto- 
mime of spreading the blanket on the ground 
as for friends to sit upon to smoke, this being 
an understood inter-tribal invitation 

TO SMOKE THE PIPE OF PEACE. 

Guards of Lewis, advancing to meet him, 
kept him well covered with their rifles, 

BUT THE MANDANS DEMANDED HIS LIFE FOR THAT OF 
THEIR YOUNG CHIEF. 

Upon those also who would have rushed him, 
the guns of Lewis were turned, and they were 
held back. 

Now hark, to the Indian's first lesson in civ- 
ilization. 

Lewis told the Mandans . . . 

"THESE ARMS ARE NOT TO WREAK VENGENACE, BUT 
TO ENFORCE PEACE!" 

The messenger was then allowed to advance, 
and spread his blanket, and was given the Pipe 
of Peace to smoke. 

"BUT IF YOU FORGET" 

said Lewis to the Sioux . . . and he pointed to 
his guards with their rifles and flag . . . 

"THESE WILL PUNISH YOU! " 




[^W^J 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 35 



EPISODE XVI. 

THE LODGE OF SACAJAWEA 

was banked deep outside with snow; the door- 
flap, torn at by the winds of a blizzard, now and 
again let in the storm in whirling flakes. The 
lodge fire burned, and by its light her women 
moved about in service, bending over the bed 
of furs ; for in spirit they knew that the shadows 
of the lodge 

ENTERTAINED THE ANGELS OF LIFE AND OF DEATH. 

Dusky with pain, the eyes of Sacajawea 
looked deep into the coming years; for 

THE MOST ANCIENT SHACKLES OF HUMANITY WERE 
BEING WELDED ABOUT HER SOUL; 

. . . her dreams of her home and her people — 
what of them? 

STOUTER THAN THONGS THIS TIE THAT BINDS A SLAVE 

. . . this wee brown infant snuggled in a bed 
of downy swan-breasts, and now being shown 

TO HER MASTER, 

Chabonneau, his father! 

THUS WAS A SON, BAPTISTE, BORN TO SACAJAWEA, ON 
FEBRUARY ELEVENTH, 1804; WHOM CAPTAIN CLARK 
NAxMED "LITTLE POMP." 



36 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 

EPISODE XVII. 

WILLOWS FRINGING THE MISSOURI RIVER 

were beginning to show their silver buds; within 
the stockade all was activity; for every hint of 
nature 

TOLD LEWIS THAT THE SECOND YEAR OF HIS JOURNEY 
MUST SOON BEGIN. 

Sacajawea, within her lodge, made ready for 
her back the "bier" of grasses in which she 
would carry Baptiste, for Chabonneau, the 
braggart, the ludicrous, the over-officious, the 
clown, 

CHABONNEAU WAS TO GO WITH THE EXPEDITION AS 
INTERPRETER. 

This was the culmination of many of her 
carefully made plans; it was her best dream. 

NOW THERE CAME TO MANDAN A BRITISH TRAPPER 

whose curiosity concerning the white men was 
easily appeased when he fell in with Chabon- 
neau, and 

WHO SENSED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE EXPEDITION. 

He, hoping to frustrate the plan if he could, 

INCITED CHABONNEAU TO "STRIKE." 

Chabonneau, easily filled with such talk, 
went as was suggested, with it to Lewis, who 
would have none of it. He told Chabonneau 
to leave and not return. 

LEWIS, UNDAUNTED, 

completed his preparations to depart, 

THOUGH GREATLY WERE THE DANGERS OF HIS ADVEN- 
TURE INCREASED BY THE LACK OF AN INTERPRETER. 

Home to his lodge came Chabonneau, sullen 
and defiant. When he told her what had hap- 
pened, 

SACAJAWEA'S HEART ALMOST BROKE. 

The light of life seemed to die in her; a slave 
in a "far off land," she longs "in vain." 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 



37 



While she buries her face in her baby's furs 
to hide her grief, does not a radiance seem to fill 
the lodge? Does not a Spirit stand by her 
side? . . . For what but the touch of 



THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM 



whom we call "COLUMBIA" could have so 
lighted her suddenly lifted face, and so 

THRILLED THE CAPTIVE MAID 

with a wonderful dream? . . . Lifting the door- 
flap, she passed swiftly out of the lodge; for 

IT CAME TO HER THAT HER'S WAS THE GIFT TO GUIDE 
THE WHITE MEN WEST! 




38 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 



EPISODE XVIII. 

WHERE THE BOATS WERE BEING LOADED 

Lewis stood on the shore and gave orders. Here 

CAME SACAJAWEA, 

unannounced by any sound of her moccasined 
feet. Startled, he asked her errand. 

SHE SPOKE IN BROKEN ENGLISH 

and she told a tale to which he listened. It is 
a tale you know, 

OF HER HOME HIGH UP IN THE ROCKIES, AT THE SOURCE 
OF THE TWO RIVERS WHICH SEPARATE, EACH TO FIND 
ITS OWN SEA ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE WORLD; 

of the defenseless village of the Snakes; of the 
outlaws on the rim-rock; the attack, 

AND HOW SHE, A CAPTIVE, HAD BEEN BROUGHT TO 

MANDAN, 

bound on the back of a horse. And as to that 
country, 

"SACAJAWEA KNOWS," 

she said; Lewis was swept by the importance 
of the girl and her story; for her's were the 
people into whose hands his fate must fall. 

THERE WAS NO ONE ELSE WHO SPOKE A WORD OF 
ENGLISH WHO HAD EVER BEEN MORE THAN TWO DAYS- 
MARCH WEST OF MANDAN. 

The girl, in an agony of suspense, awaited 
his decision. 

"Tell me," said Lewis, 

"WHAT BECAME OF YOUR LITTLE FRIEND^" 

A shade of sorrow crossed her face, and sadly 
she shook her head. She told him how all the 
first day's march she had seen in the path before 
her only the stallion with his captive burden, 
her friend. Twilight fell as they made camp; 

SHE NEVER SAW CAPTIVE OR STALLION AGAIN. 

Their fate was unknown to her. Lewis 
looked again into the soft brown eyes, so poign- 
ant with their burning question, and assented. 
Those eyes were full with joy. . . Here were 
the waiting boats . . . yonder the cup-like 
valley . . . between were many perils, 

BUT SHE WOULD GUIDE THEM WITH THE HOMING 
INSTINCT OF THE WILD WHITE SWAN! 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 39 

EPISODE XIX. 

CAME AT EAST THE DAY TO LEAVE MANDAN. 

Curious villagers assembled on the shore 
to watch the embarkation of 

THE MAIN PARTY OF THE EXPEDITION; 

packed and loaded into their two perogues and 
six canoes, and 

THE AUXILIARY PARTY WHICH HAD HELPED THEM 
THUS FAR, 

on their great barge, returning home. 

Pointing their bows toward midstream, both 
at a signal, shoved off. 

In midsteam, the barge of the auxiliary 
party swung down stream with the current, 

HOMEWARD BOUND' 

. . . Looking back with many a farewell. 



LEWIS' MEN 
UPSTREAM . 



bent to their oars to turn their prows 

The sails unfurled and filled. These men, 
too, looked back to call farewells to those who 
were going home! . . . There is one who leans 
out of the stern of the red perogue ; he forms a 
conch with his hands . . . 

"TELL MY MOTHER' . . . 

he shouts . . . there are tears on his cheeks, 
though he laughs. . . . 

THEY WERE ONLY LADS! 

. . . Lewis, standing in the white perogue, was 
caught up with strange excitement; for he tells 
us, this was "the happiest day" of his life. And 
yet he felt the great responsibility of these young 
boys 

WHO HAD CHEERFULLY OFFERED THEIR LIVES. 

. . . He watched them waving their adieus; . . . 

WOULD THEY EVER SEE THEIR HOMES AGAIN? 

In the bow of the boat, her straining gaze 
upstream, her baby on her back, was Sacajawea. 



40 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 



Lewis sensed it all . . . 

THE FORTUNES OF HIS "DARLING DREAM", PERCHANCE 
THEIR VERY LIVES AND FATE, WERE IN THE HANDS OF 
THIS BROWN SLA\^ GIRL! 

The little procession, the white perogue, the 
red perogue, and the six small canoes, got under 
way, passing out 

INTO THE GREAT MYSTERY. . . . 

Lewis' tears were unrestrained; his face was 
set toward the West . . . 

THAT A GOVERNMENT ... "BY THE PEOPLE MIGHT NOT 
PERISH FROM THE EARTH!" ... OH, PROPHET OF 

ADVENTURE! 




THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 41 



EPISODE XX. 

SINCE THE WORLD WAS YOUNG HAD THE SKY LOOKED 
DOWN UPON THESE RIFFLES AND THESE SHORES; 

* * ♦ 



UPON THE PRAIRIE LANDS THAT MATCH THE PLACID 
BOSOM OF THE STREAM'S LOWER REACHES ... 



♦ * ♦ 

UPON THE CASTLE-CLIFFS THAT CROWD INTO NARROWS 
THE HURLED TIDE OF ITS UPPER CURRENT; 



UPON THE EVER MOUNTING AWESOME PILE OF DESO- 
LATE ROCK THAT REARS THE CREST OF A CONTINENT. 

* * ♦ 
. . . THE GREAT DIVIDE ... 

■(c )|< 4> 

WHERE THE TWO RIVERS RISE SIDE BY SIDE, 



AND FOREVER CROONING THE SAME MUSIC UNDER THE 
SAME STARS, 



GLIDE AWAY TO FIND THEIR "SEPARATE SEAS." 



42 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 

WILD LIFE CAME AND WENT AND CAME IN THIS 

WILD LAND. 

* * * 

PANTHER CAME TO THE WATER'S EDGE TO DRINK IN 

THE MOONLIGHT; 

* * * 

BEAVER BUILT . . . 

* ♦ * 

FAT BLACK BEAR FISHED IN THE WARM SUNLIT SHAL- 
LOWS. 

* * * 

GRIZZLIES LURCHED AMONG THE BLEAK ROCKS. . . . 

* * * 

IBEX AND ANTELOPE WERE SILHOUETTES AGAINST THE 

SKY; 

* * * 

THE WILD BUCK LED HIS DOE AND HIS FAWN AS HE 
BREASTED LAKE-LIKE POOLS IN SEQUESTERED PLACES; 

* ♦ » 
ELK RESTED IN THE GROVES; 

* * * 

BUFFALO GRAZED IN THE PLAIN; 

* * * 

THE EAGLE BUILT HER NEST ON INACCESSIBLE CRAGS. 

* * * 

. . . AGES PASSED . . . FOR WHAT WERE THEY WAITING, 
ROCKS AND RIVER AND SKY? 

* * * 
... A LITTLE SHIP! 

Its "square sail" filled, its "sprit sail" glinting 
in the sun. . . . 



* * 



A PROPHET OF ADVENTURE . . . 
. . . Lewis' 



I 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 43 

EPISODE XXI. 

OF MISHAPS TO THE VOYAGERS THERE WERE MANY. 

One day, when a sudden storm broke, Lewis 
and Clark were both on shore, seeking a safe 
shore shelter for their crew, 

DREWYER ASKED CHABONNEAU TO RELIEVE HIM AT 

THE HELM 

of the white perogue, in which were all Lewis' 
important papers, instruments, etc. 
Among the papers 

THERE WERE NOTES OF THE 2200 MILES OF THEIR 
JOURNEY ALREADY COVERED; 

among those in the boat who anxiously watched 
clumsy Chabonneau take the helm were Saca- 
jawea with "Little Pomp" on her back, and 

THREE MEN WHO COULD NOT SWIM. 

Sacajawea readjusted the baby's "bier," 
for she might have to swim. . . . 

The boat was under sail ; the gale struck her 
obliquely, lifting her out of her course. 

INSTEAD OF PUTTING HER BEFORE THE WIND, 

Chabonneau, alarmed and unskilled, 

LUFFED HER UP INTO IT. 

The waves were high, 

THE WATER ICY COLD. 

The wind snatched "the brace of the square 
sail from the hand of the man who attended it, 
and the perogue was upset." 

"The resistance made by the awning against 
the water" held the boat upon her side; but she 
filled, so that when they had taken in the sail, 
so she could right herself, she was within an 
inch of the gunwales. 

Crazy Chabonneau forgot the rudder and 
tried to pray . . . until bowsman Crusette 
threatened to shoot. 

Lewis and Clark on the shore fired their guns 
to attract attention, but their orders could not 
be heard. Then Lewis dropped his shot pouch 
and rifle, threw off his coat, running, for he had 



44 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 



seen as the boat righted, that the swirl of the 
waters had carried out his precious papers. 

But Clark caught and held him ; for the boat 
was three hundred yards away, the waves high 
and the current wickedly swift. 

As they looked, Sacajawea struck out over 
the low gunwale, swimming swifter than the 
current itself. Bobbing, bobbing, up and 
down, 

LEWIS' TREASURES . . . 

Swift and strong and sure . . . 

SACAJAWEA 

with ■■ Little Pomp" on her back. 

Now she overtakes her quarry, and now she 
has it, 

SAFE! 

For the red perogue has picked her up. 




THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 45 

EPISODE XXII. 

BUT THERE WERE NIGHTS OF GLADNESS, TOO; 

when, by the camp-fire's glow the men danced 
on the sandy beach; when York, Clark's kinky- 
haired negro servant, showed them plantation 
steps ; 
WHEN CLARK, 

who learned to love the brown baby "as his 
own son," took Little Pomp in his arms, and 

BY THE TOUCH OF B.\BY HANDS WAS TRANSPORTED TO 
"HIS OLD KENTUCKY HOME, FAR AWAY;" 

when those who did not dance smoked and 
dreamed ; 
WHEN LEWIS, 

who had so often on the journey been visited 
by dreams of Virginia's moonlit gardens, 

FOUND HIS VISIONS OF ROSEBUD GIRLS GROWING 

DIMMER. 

Sacajawea, bewitched by moonlight and fire- 
light, breathed in the wonder of the music, for 
Crusette was a master of the violin. And the 
witchery also touched Lewis, the young Cap- 
tain; 

BY HIS SIDE A WOMAN, 

though she was only a girl in years. 

A woman, patient, brave, kind and uncom- 
plaining; faithful; giving her whole devotion, 
and though yearning, asking nothing in return; 

IN THE DEPTH OF WHOSE EYES ONE MIGHT WELL 
DROWN THE SOUL. 

But the music ceased; and Chabonneau, the 
least useful of them all ; the least comprehensive, 
the least deserving, could dispel the glamour 
with a word. 

Not only had he bought her as a slave, but 
by such tribal rites as there prevailed, had mar- 
ried her. Oh, yes, 

SHE BELONGED TO CHABONNEAU . . . 

Over the night camp when all were at rest 
floated a silver ship ; at its prow stood a goddess 
who wore a white star and whose scarf was 

striped. 
After all, 

LEWIS WAS PLEDGED 70 A DREAM! 



46 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 



EPISODE XXIII. 

THE WAITING SKY HAD WATCHED, THOSE AGES PAST, 
TWO SILVER STRANDS 

one from the North, and one from the South, 

THAT MEETING, FORMED THE BROADER BAND THAT 
WAS THE MISSOURI RIVER. 

Up this broader stream now toiled the Expe- 
dition, and came to the twinning place of the 
silver ribbons. 

ONLY ONE OF THEM CAME FROM THE TOP OF THE 
DIVIDE . . . WHICH^ 

None knew the answer. But 

HERE THEY MUST LEAVE THEIR BIGGEST BOAT AND 
MUCH OF THEIR POSSESSIONS. 

Sacajawea showed them how to make a cache 
as her people did . . . how to put away their 
goods within this earthen vault so they would 
not come to harm; how to replace the sod and 
leave no trace. 

They dragged the red perogue up among the 
trees, made it fast and covered it with brush. 

Sacajawea told them the lore of the upper 
country, and advised them, as she believed, the 
answer to their question, 

WHICH WAS THE TRUE MISSOURI? 

She was right. At night, when the weary 
camp was asleep, 

LEWIS ASKED THE STARS . . . 

. . . "Took Celestial observation." We like to 
dream that she stood by his side, she who was 
born of the stars .... his guardian angel, 
COLUMBIA. . . . 

HE SET HIS COURSE BY THEIR ANSWER. 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 47 

EPISODE XXIV. 

SACAJAWEA'S PROPHECY CAME TRUE; 

as they journeyed they began to hear 

THE THUNDEROUS ROAR OF A MIGHTY CATARACT! 

When they came upon it, they found no 
words to express its beauty, even among them- 
selves; they were helpless before its might; 

THEIR NAVIGATION WAS STOPPED; 

but not their dauntless determination. 

They made camp, felled cotton-wood trees 
and from their trunks made trucks with wooden 
wheels, on which the canoes, fastened, made 
wagon beds; and into these they packed their 
loads. 

Harnessed together in teams like oxen the 
men drew these strange vehicles 

TRIP AFTER TRIP OVER A PORTAGE ROAD SIXTEEN 
MILES LONG. 

The earth was rough and hard and cut their 
feet; prickly pear thorns pierced even their 
leather clothes and moccasins; so heavy were 
the loads ... so hard the going, so difficult 
the ill-shaped wheels, that at every step the men 
must bend and strain, catching at grass and bush 
to drag themselves and their burdens even a few 
feet at a time. 

So spent were they, that at the word to rest 
and breathe they dropped in their tracks and, 
Lewis says, were, in their exhaustion, almost 
immediately asleep. 

As, at such a breathing spell, he wrote these 
words in his notes, and looked upon the poor, 
forlorn, huddled things, he could but recall a 
grave which they had left on the cliff by the 
stream 

THAT FIRST SUMMER . . . SERGT. FLOYD . . . 

They had fired the parting volley; sounded 
taps and sailed, as they must, relentlessly on 
their way . . . leaving no sentinel but the lone 
wolf that howled to the sky; — no mourner by 
the grave except in spirit that IDEAL for which 
he gave his life; but 



48 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 

COLUMBIA DOES CARE! . . . 

. . . Ah, so great a responsibility! 

HOW MANY MORE WOULD THEY LEAVE ^ 

But he must rouse them ... He called; 
they stumble to their feet ; they stumble on . . . 

-YET ALL GO CHEERFULLY," 

wrote Lewis on that day. 




THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 49 



EPISODE XXV. 

AFTER PORTAGE 

they re-embarked, their now depleted fleet aug- 
mented by two hastily constructed boats, mak- 
ing in all eight small canoes. 

THEIR BOATS WERE TOO HEAVILY LOADED TO CARRY 
THE MEN. 

Hence the eight crews were again harnessed 

, . . tandem . . . and walking along the shore, 

towed the boats. But 

THE EVER NARROWING STREAM WAS THREADED 
BETWEEN ROCKY WALLS THAT GAVE NO FOOTHOLD, 

forcing the men to the water. 

THUS THEY MOVED DAY AFTER DAY 

along a stream the bed of which was constantly 
recurring shallows where the boats must be drag- 
ged, interspersed with pools and channels through 
which the tandem teams must swim and tow 
their boats. 

Continually in the snow-chilled water, often 
up to their arm-pits, struggling 

THROUGH A LAND WHICH NO LONGER PROVIDED THEM 
WITH FOOD OR RAIMENT;— 

did it not require stout hearts? 

UNLESS THEY COULD FIND AND WERE HELPED BY 
FRIENDLY INDIANS, THEY HAD COME THUS FAR IN 
VAIN! 

Eagerly watching for signs of Indians, they 
found a worn pole which they showed to Saca- 
jawea. She told them that it was 

A MOVING POLE . . . HER PEOPLE, THEN, WERE 
MOVING . . . WHY? 

. . . She explained its use; how, being 
dragged by a pony, it supported the burden of 
their greater packs when moving. 

They found a worn Indian shoe . . Saca- 
jawea said it was 

AN ENEMY'S MOCCASIN! 



This was of tragic interest' Who, if any, 
had survived this apparent conflict? . . Would 



50 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 



they prove friends or foes? . . . And where 
were they? ... If foes, behind what shadow 
might they lurk? 

. . . THEY GOT OUT THEIR LITTLE FLAGS WITH THE 
THIRTEEN STARS FOR THE THIRTEEN COLONIES SO FAR 
AWAY. 

hoisted one on each canoe, primed their guns, 

tightened their harness, 

AND "CARRIED ON" . . . 

. . . Soldiers . . . Captain . . . little brown 
guide. . . . 

GOD KEEP THEIR MEMORY FRESH! 




THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 51 



EPISODE XXVI. 
NEARLY HOME. 



Sacajawea now told them that she was 



So anxiously peering ahead . . . what does 
she see as they round a bend in the stream? 
. . . Three 

WILD WHITE SWAN! 

They were coming out of the defile to a more 
open space — they were 

NEAR THE CUP-LIKE VALLEY; 

Suddenly Sacajawea caught Lewis' arm. 

"NANITCH" (LOOK) ... 

She pointed toward the high ground. There, 
flinging a challenge, stood 

THE WILD STALLION! ("July 24th, 1805, at 10 o'clock A. M.)" 

What did it all mean? . . . They made the 
shore, and one of the men picked up 

AN ARROW . . . "ABOUT 2 FT. 9 IN. IN LENGTH" . . . 

At sight of it, reality faded, and Sacajawea 
again beheld the past; 

AGAIN SHE SAW THE BOYS OF THE VILLAGE 

go out to meet the advancing Big-Bellies . . . 

THIS WAS THE VERY SPOT ON WHICH SHE HAD BEEN 
TAKEN CAPTIVE; 

she had reached home at last, 

BUT HER TRIBE HAD VANISHED! 



52 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 

EPISODE XXVII. 

DETERMINED TO FIND HER PEOPLE IF ANY LIVED, 

Lewis took two men and scouted the country 
while the Expedition moved on, arranging to 
meet again further up stream. 

In advance of his men, he at last came upon 
a lone Indian on horseback, but could not come 
near. He pushed up his sleeves to show that 
his skin was white, 

CALLING, "TABBA-BONE" (White man). 

. . . made the blanket sign of peace ; but 

LEWIS SAW THE LONE INDIAN SUDDENLY WHEEL. 

Bitterly disappointed at the Indian's disap- 
pearance, he continued farther, and came upon 

THREE INDIAN WOMEN; 

... an old woman, a young woman, and a girl. 
The young woman fled, but the old woman 
and the girl, seemingly thinking it futile to try 
to escape, kneeled down and held their heads 
for execution; 

THEY EXPECTED DEATH . . . 

Lewis took the woman's hand and raised her 
to her feet and gave her a gift; then he painted 
their faces with vermillion, which they permit- 
ted, and as such 

THEY RECEIVED A SIGN OF FRIENDSHIP; 

encouraged, Lewis felt that he was meeting with 
some success, when 

THE LONE INDIAN REAPPEARED WITH ALL THE 
WARRIORS OF THE TRIBE, 

mounted on splendid horses and armed with 
bows and arrows. The Chief rode in advance; 
there were eagle feathers in his horse's mane 
and tail ; by his side was the young woman who 
had run away. The party was undoubtedly 



INTENT ON ATTACK. 



When the warriors would have fallen upon 
the white men 



THE NEW FOUND FRIEND PROTESTED. 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 53 

Gifts were offered the tribesmen. 

LEWIS POINTED TOWARD THE RIVER, 

and made known to the Indians by signs that 
he had friends there. The Indians then took 
from Lewis and his men their guns and ammuni- 
tion, and accompanied them to the river, still 
not convinced of friendship . . . 

CLARK'S PARTY HAD NOT ARRIVED, 

when they came to the river. Whereupon the 
Indians, considering themselves tricked, pre- 
pared to put the white men to death. 

LEWIS PLAYED FOR TIME; 

. . . Life was only a matter of minutes when 
Clark's party came in sight. 

Now the Chief and the young woman by his 
side . . . they start . . . they stare . . .for 

SACAJAWEA 

is running toward them, calling out in their own 
tongue! . . . She reaches the young woman 
. . . they embrace ... it is 

HER CHILDHOOD FRIEND 

whom she had last seen on the back of the wild 
Stallion ! And 

THE CHIEF . . . HER OWN BROTHER . . . CAMEAHWAIT! 



•»0l>tiillilillllilitlliiu>*^" 



54 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 

EPISODE XXVIII. 

ON THE GREAT DIVIDE, 

Lewis, dipping his cup in the spring and facing 
the East, drank 



A TOAST TO THE MISSOURI, 



and but a short distance away, dipped in that 
other spring, and, facing the West, drank, also, 

A TOAST TO THE COLUMBIA, 

upon which they were now prepared to set forth. 

Sacajawea's people had supplied them with 
horses, and now bade them farewell. 

Cameahwait told Sacajawea the courses and 
directions, 

STILL THEIR GUIDE, SHE LED THEM DOWN 

across the highlands and over 

THE LOLO TRAIL. 

Single file, each man led a pony packed with 
a share of the party's possessions, and on his 
own back carried his personal equipment. 

NO EARLIER SUFFERINGS EQUALED THEIR SORROWS 
ON THE TRAIL, 

which wound its tortuous way through the cleft 
heart of mountains of lava rock, twisting spirally 
down shelving walls that gave but the barest 
clinging place above deep blue chasms. 

Twice, a pony crowded by his pack, lost foot- 
hold and rolled to his destruction. 

No life was found to supply them with life. 

EVERY WAKING HOUR THEY HASTENED FORWARD, 

with garments worn and cut and torn to tatters, 
and with nothing with which to replace them. 
Fear urged them on, 

LEST FAMINE OVERTAKE THEM. 

"We dined and supped on a scant propor- 
tion of portable soup, a few canisters of which, 
a little bear's oil and about 20 lbs. candles form 
our stock of provisions." . . . 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 



55 



STARVING! 



They were sick; Lewis and Clark often car- 
ried both their own and the burdens of others. 

They arrived at the Snake River, a branch 
of the Columbia, 



Too weak to more properly construct them, 
they made three small canoes of pine logs burned 
hollow. 



In these they set out once more. 




56 THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 

EPISODE XXIX. 

BUT WHO SHALL SPEAK OF TROUBLES GONE? 

Their tears, falling down their haggard 
cheeks, are they not the tears of men who give 
thanks for some great blessing? 

FOR THIS IS THE PROMISED LAND! 

. . . They had "come through." 

Three rudely fashioned boats of pine drifted 
on a heavenly river whose shores were sweetly 
green; a river guarded by sentinels of snow, a 
river that trimmed with blue, a land of beauty 
... a land of plenty. . . . 

THE OREGON COUNTRY. 

An Indian runner, perched upon some high 
vantage point, saw three small objects 

FLOATING DOWN THE COLUMBIA. 

He was to bear this news to Multnomah, 
chief of all the lower tribes, for this was 

THE COMING OF THE WHITE MAN. 

Broader grew the wonderful river, more 
gentle its current, until its shores gave way, at 
last, on either side to mists that hid the land. 
On ahead, a white line showed 



THE BAR, 



where the river meets the ocean. 

After more than two years' journey, what 
feeling in their hearts? For in their ears now 
sounds 



THE MUSIC OF THE SEA. 



••»»i>|i)iljlll|l||||l|||l|litil>ii 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 57 



EPISODE XXX. 



Down along the beach at Clatsop three are 
walking — come after piteous sacrifice, at last to 
look upon 

THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 

. . . Three? . . . No, look! . . . With them 
walks Columbia 

WHERE THE WAVES KISS THE HEM OF HER ROBE; " 

can you doubt that she, 

THE SPIRIT FOR WHOM THIS PRIZE WAS WON. 

was near? It is because of the devotion of such 
as these, Columbia, that 

-A WORLD OFFERS HOMAGE TO THEE!" 



AGAIN IT WAS THE END OF SUMMER. 
. . . Standing on the shore 



AT MANDAN, 



Little Pomp toddling by her side, Chabonneau 
just behind, was Sacajawea. Out in the stream 
was the Expeditionary party, now returning 
home. In the White perogue were Lewis and 
Clark . . . 



THEY SAID GOOD-BYE 



What light went out of the life of Sacajawea 
with their going! 

Clark had begged her to give him Little 
Pomp, that he might bring him up as his own 
son; he told her that she might come, too; but 
Chabonneau had laid his detaining hand upon 
her and the child, the hand of ownership. 
. . . Lewis . . . 

But she belonged to Chabonneau ! 



58 



THE WONDROUS ROMANCE 



FINIS 



. . . Do you see, as I see, the eyes of COLUM- 
BIA that compel mine to their gaze? 



DOES COLUMBIA FEAR A MENACE NOW 



Does she seem to speak? 
to say 



IF SLEEPING, WAKE 
THE HOUR OF FATE! 



. Does she seem 
IF FEASTING, RISE ... IT IS 



THE END 




